A secondary development based on the Hoek-Brown criterion for rapid numerical simulation prediction of mountainous tunnels in China

To overcome the dilemma of the [BQ] method's inability to predict mountain tunnel support loads, this study is based on the Hoek-Brown criterion and previous results to obtain the connection equations from GSI scores to each parameter of the Hoek-Brown criterion and the link between the [BQ] scores and the GSI system. The equations were embedded in the Hoek-Brown criterion of FLAC6.0 software to obtain tunnel construction forecasts without destroying the in-situ stratigraphy. The feasibility of the secondary development of the Hoek-Brown criterion was verified through comparative analysis with field engineering measurements. If GSI > 45 with a confining pressure of less than 10 MPa, GSI has little effect on the critical softening factor while we should pay attention to the parameter of confining pressure when GSI < 45. The design values for each parameter are closer to the FLAC3D simulation results and the secondary development of the Hoek-Brown criterion meets the design objectives. If the Class V surrounding rock is thinned with shotcrete or the secondary lining is installed earlier, the secondary lining may act as the main load-bearing structure. The study may provide ideas for rapid prediction of mountainous tunnels in China.